Cori Medrano
(2026-Present)
Cori Medrano is the current President and CEO of WSRB; she brings more than three decades of insurance industry leadership and experience to the role. As a results-driven executive, Cori’s strategic vision, emphasis on collaboration, and overwhelming commitment to delivering results has brought tremendous value to insurers, fire service professionals, and the communities that WSRB serves.
Since joining WSRB in 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer, Cori has worked to develop and execute an organization-wide strategic plan, aimed at strengthening internal operations and promoting a customer oriented culture. Her work leading the operations and technology teams ensured WSRB’s systems, processes, and people worked in concert to support accurate, trusted fire protection and risk information of Subscribers.
Throughout her career, Cori has worked closely with complex teams throughout the insurance industry. From underwriting positions at Golden Eagle Insurance Company and Liberty Mutual to her time as Vice President of Commercial and Farm Underwriting at Mutual of Enumclaw, her experience reflects a steady focus on strategy and growth.
Over the years, Cori has held the following positions:
- Chief Operating Officer, Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (2020–2026)
- Vice President, Commercial and Farm Underwriting, Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company (2015–2020)
- Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager /Director, Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company (2004–2015)
- Commercial Underwriting Manager, Golden Eagle Insurance Company / Liberty Mutual (2002–2004)
- Property & Casualty Underwriter, Liberty Mutual (1995–2002)
Cori’s leadership is defined by a commitment to continuous improvement and investing in people. Her passion for developing teams and supporting professional growth can be felt across WSRB, ensuring that employees feel valued and encouraged to grow alongside the organization. Cori brings optimism to her work, inspiring those around her with positivity and eyes firmly fixed on the horizon.
Karl J. Newman
(2016-2026)
Karl J. Newman served as President and CEO of WSRB from 2016 to 2026, bringing more than three decades of property and casualty insurance experience and a passion for helping people and organizations grow to their full potential. A visionary and results-oriented leader, Karl combined strategic insight with a deep commitment to people, leading transformational efforts that strengthened operations, expanded capabilities, and elevated the organization’s impact for both customers and team members. His ability to connect vision with execution enabled him to build strong teams, develop new programs, and revitalize the organization to achieve meaningful, measurable results.
During his tenure, Karl guided WSRB through a period of significant evolution, fostering a culture where employees are empowered, innovation is encouraged, and continuous improvement became a defining characteristic. His leadership emphasizes aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver accurate, trusted information and high-quality service to Subscribers. Under his direction, WSRB enhanced its operational effectiveness, modernized its technology platforms, and reinforced its role as a valued partner across the insurance and fire service communities.
Prior to joining WSRB, Karl served as President of the NW Insurance Council (1999–2015), where he represented the property and casualty insurance industry across three northwest states. In that role, he became a recognized industry voice, appearing in more than 3,000 television, radio, and online news stories, helping consumers and businesses better understand complex insurance topics. Earlier in his career, Karl held multiple leadership positions at PEMCO Insurance, further strengthening his expertise across the industry.
Karl’s career reflects a consistent focus on growth, communication, and influence. In addition to his executive leadership roles, he is an accomplished speaker, trainer, and executive coach, certified by Maxwell Leadership, and has addressed audiences ranging from small organizations to large groups of up to 2500 business leaders.
In addition to serving as WSRB’s Chairman, President & CEO, Karl has contributed his expertise over the years through a variety of leadership and advisory roles, including the McKinsey Executive Panel, John Maxwell Team President’s Advisory Council and service on Boards of Directors, Washington Business Week and the Arson Alarm Foundation. These experiences further shaped his collaborative leadership style and broadened his impact beyond the organizations he directly led.
Karl retired in 2026 after a decade of leadership at WSRB. His legacy is defined by his unwavering investment in people, his commitment to excellence, and his ability to drive lasting organizational change.
He continues to serve on the Board of Directors, offering guidance and insight to support WSRB’s ongoing success.
Brian Upton-Rowley
(2001-2016)
Brian began his career in insurance in 1975, a few years after graduating from California State University in Fullerton with a degree in Business Administration.
Moving from California to Washington, he got a job at Unigard Insurance, a multi-line property and casualty insurer headquartered in Bellevue. Between 1975 and 1991, he held various positions at the company: Regional Manager, Branch Manager, Underwriting Manager, and Senior Underwriter. In 1991, Grange Insurance Association hired Brian as their Vice President of Underwriting. Five years later, he became the Vice President of R.F. Mattei & Associates.
His experiences at Unigard, Grange, and R.F. Mattei gave Brian the perfect springboard for future success. In the years leading up to his hiring at WSRB, he’d earned his CPCU and CIC designations, worked in nine different office locations, and, at various times, been responsible for results in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Brian was brought on as Assistant General Manager of WSRB in 2000. However, once WSRB was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in early 2001, Brian’s title and position changed to President and CEO.
In his 15 years as President and CEO of WSRB, Brian led the company from relative obscurity to become a recognizable brand, focusing on service and customer satisfaction. He emphasized the modernization of processes, expanding products and services to nurture a growing customer base. Similarly, he prioritized establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with insurance executives, agent associations, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington Fire Chiefs, the Washington State Association of Fire Marshalls, and the six other independent rating bureaus operating in the U.S.
During an important era of change and modernization, as web-based systems became the norm and obsolete methods were left by the wayside, Brian’s competent hand helped WSRB succeed, grow, forge lasting relationships, and, ultimately, better serve the people of Washington state.
Brian retired in January 2016; he currently sits on the Board of Directors.
Rex W. Clark
(1985-2001)
Rex began his career at WSRB inspecting buildings, quickly advancing to Assistant Manager. He became General Manager and Proprietor in 1985, guiding the company through a critical transitional period.
The 1980s and 90s saw industry-wide shifts away from outdated methods and processes. During his tenure as the company's leader, Rex was instrumental in transforming WSRB into a technology-based enterprise. He oversaw the introduction of the first computers to increase efficiency and productivity. Additionally, Rex was responsible for transitioning the company from a partnership to a corporation.
After retiring, Rex joined the WSRB Board, eventually becoming a Director Emeritus.
Outside work, Clark was an active member of several charity organizations, including the Seattle Rotary, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks, and the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International. He held leadership positions in both the Elks and the Blue Goose International.
On February 24, 2023, Rex Clark passed away at 95. We will never forget his friendly personality, natural conversational skills, and dedication to helping others. His legacy of selfless devotion will forever serve as an example for future generations.
Robert A. Pedersen
(1972-1985)
Robert “Pete” Pedersen graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in mechanical engineering. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to the University of Washington for post graduate work.
Pete joined WSRB in 1946 as a Field Engineer. He steadily progressed through the ranks, becoming Chief Engineer in 1952, Assistant Manager in 1956, Associate Manager in 1957, and finally Manager in 1972.
He was an early advocate of using computers to manage the vast amounts of data and calculations required for rating bureau operations. Additionally, he supported an engineering approach to fire protection and introduced hydraulic calculation of sprinkler systems into the rating process, promoting better system design and performance.
In addition to his work at WSRB, Pete served as president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) from 1967-1969 and held memberships in several committees, including the Long Range Planning Committee, Honors Committee, Seattle Fire Prevention Code Advisory Board, Seattle Building Code Advisory Board, Municipal League of King County, and Seattle Rotary. He chaired the NFPA Piers and Wharves Committee and was a member of both the Automatic Sprinkler Committee (1952-1972) and the Underwriters Laboratories Fire Council.
George W. Clarke
(1957-1972)
George W. Clarke was born on June 22, 1906, in Perry, Iowa. When he was young, his family relocated to Mercer Island, Washington. After completing his bachelor's degree at the University of Washington, he pursued a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law and subsequently entered the legal profession.
He became manager of WSRB in 1957, staying in the position until 1972. It was during this period that he entered politics. Clarke served in the Washington House of Representatives as a Republican from 1967 to 1971, representing the 41st district - Mercer Island and Newcastle. He continued his political journey in the Washington State Senate from 1971 to 1985.
George W. Clarke passed away on June 25, 2006, just three days after celebrating his 100th birthday.
J. K. Wooley
(1926-1957)
J.K. Wooley succeeded McKenzie and oversaw the Bureau during a period of slow but steady institutional growth and professionalization. Though less is documented about his specific contributions, Wooley maintained operational continuity through the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and the war years, preserving WSRB’s status as a stable, nonprofit, independent bureau.
Lee McKenzie
(1911-1926)
Lee McKenzie was the founding manager of the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau. Prior to WSRB’s formal establishment, he served as Chief Surveyor for the Washington Insurance Surveyor, beginning in 1906.
McKenzie helped transition the office into a formal non-profit public service institution following the adoption of the 1911 Washington Insurance Code. A pioneering voice in fire rating reform, McKenzie authored the Bureau’s 1914 informational pamphlet Fire Insurance: Its History and Functions, which articulated a vision for equitable, data-based rating practices grounded in public service.
His tenure established many of the Bureau’s technical and philosophical foundations.
